Seamstresses and Alterationists – Bring Out Your Scraps!!

We’ve talked about fabric scraps previously and the need to save them and categorize them for easy access.  Today, we’re going to talk about two craft items that can be made out of your scraps — to be used by yourself, given as gifts, taken to a craft fair or put on ebay.  Anyway you look at it, scraps equal dollars!!!

Scrap Tote Bag —

The scrap tote bag is very quick and easy to make! Cut scraps of fabric into squares and strips, as shown in the picture, and sew them into two 12” x 16” pieces. The scrap pieces don’t have to be the same length or width – just use assorted pieces to sew together.

Cut two 12” x 16” pieces of lining fabric to use as backing for the tote bag.

Make handles out of another piece of scrap fabric, cutting the handle pieces 2” wide and 18” long. With right sides together, sew each handle. Turn the handles right side out with a loop turner and press.

Match the lining pieces to the “tote” pieces having the right sides together. Position the handles into this top section, placing the handles between the tote piece and the lining fabric. Sew the top edge of each of the sets, and turn so the right sides of the tote are on the outside and the handles are in place. Topstitch along the top to keep the handles from pulling, when you use the tote bag.

Put tote bag pieces together with right sides together and sew the side seams and bottom seam. Turn inside out to complete the scrap tote bag.

The tote bag can be used to take to the beach, as a shoe carrier or knitting bag – you name it – this is a very versatile tote bag that can be made for gifts or to sell at flea markets.

Scrap Doll Quilt —

For the scrap doll quilt you can use 5″ squares of assorted colored fabrics.  Sew the squares together – 3 per row, and 7 rows long.  You can either make a backing of squares as well, or use a solid color for the backing.  Sew the front piece to the back with right sides together, leaving one end open.  Turn the quilt inside out and hand stitch the open end.  To complete the quilt you can “tie” it with heavy thread or yarn at the corners as illustrated in the diagram.

For additional ideas using small pieces of fabric, visit Patterns2Go.